General Dentistry in Christiansburg, VA: Complete Dental Care for All

You can ensure a stunning smile and oral health with regular dental visits. Here's why you can depend on general dentistry Christiansburg, VA.

Visiting the dentist is essential to maintaining both your dental health and your overall health. Regular dental appointments are often scheduled with a general dentist. But what exactly is general dentistry in Christiansburg, VA?

Our team is proud to offer general dentistry as well as a wide variety of other services. This is everything you need to know about what general dentists are as well as how often you should see one.

What Do General Dentists Do?

A general dentist, also known as a family dentist or a general dental practitioner, is a primary dental care provider who offers a wide range of oral health services to patients. General dentists are often the first point of contact for people seeking routine oral care or treatment for common dental issues.

General dentists primarily conduct routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays, and can identify issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. These are also the professionals you will go to if you need procedures such as fillings or crowns.

General dentists also provide preventative care to reduce the risk of dental emergencies. According to the CDC, over 34 million school hours are lost each year because of emergency dental care. With regular visits to the dentist, unplanned dental care is less common.

Some general dentists handle extractions, orthodontic assessments, and cosmetic procedures. However, it is always best to ask about these additional services before choosing a general dentist.

What Qualifications Do General Dentists Have?

Becoming a general dentist requires extensive education and training. Most general dentists begin with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Their majors vary, but many choose to focus on biology, chemistry, and other science-based degrees.

After this, they must complete the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is a standardized test that assesses their academic and scientific knowledge. Passing the DAT is crucial to getting accepted into dental school. 

The core of dental education is the completion of a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).

These programs typically last four years and are comprised of both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

After completing dental school, graduates are required to pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE), and some state licensing boards may also require additional examinations. They will then pursue state licensure by passing the licensing exam that is relevant to the state they want to practice in.

Some dentists then choose to enter practice, while others opt for postgraduate residency programs. Many dentists also continue to pursue continuing education throughout their careers.

At New River Valley Dental Care, we have a highly qualified staff. Dr. Miller Lewis is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has over 39 years of experience in the dental industry. Our other resident dentist, Dr. Jennifer Wells, graduated from Midwestern University Dental School and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Signs It's Time to See a General Dentist

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should schedule routine cleanings with your dentist at least once every six months.

These check-ups allow you to ensure that you are properly taking care of your oral health. If you have existing dental health issues, you may want to schedule more frequent visits.

In addition to these routine visits, there are a few circumstances where you may need to schedule an additional dental visit. Here are a few signs that it's time to get in touch with a general dentist.

Tooth Pain

Any persistent tooth pain should be addressed immediately by a dentist, especially if it lasts longer than a few days or doesn't get better with medication. You should also call a dentist if you experience any sensitivity to hot or cold.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

A little bleeding here and there is normal, but gums that swell or bleed every time you floss or brush your teeth could be an early indication of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to address the issue and provide you with further care if needed.

Bad Breath That Won't Go Away

Chronic bad breath is annoying and can also be a sign of dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. Contact a general dentist if you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Changes in Bite or Jaw Pain

If you notice that your bite is changing, then it is time to call a dentist. Jaw pain and bite changes could be related to dental issues or temporomandibular (TMJ) joint problems.

Loose Teeth

Loose teeth or teeth that are shifting around require an immediate dental visit. Similarly, if you lose a tooth due to an accident, emergency dental care is needed.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is not only annoying, but it can also contribute to dental issues and requires evaluation and management by a professional. Your dentist can recommend lifestyle changes and medications that you can try to treat this common issue.

Canker Sores

If you have recurrent canker sores, then you may want to contact a dentist for further evaluation. Your dentist may be able to prescribe medicine to treat persistent canker sores or mouth ulcers.

Dark Spots on Your Teeth

Dark spots on your teeth could be an indication that you have a cavity. Your dentist can provide you with fillings or other restorative treatments.

Previous Dental Work Problems

If you have previously had a dental procedure that is giving you issues, such as a filling or a crown, then you should promptly contact a dentist. Leaving these issues untreated can cause more serious problems to occur.

Contact Us for General Dentistry in Christiansburg, VA

If you need general dentistry in Christiansburg, VA, then feel free to contact our friendly team today. We provide high-quality dental services for patients throughout Christiansburg, Virginia, and the surrounding areas of Blacksburg, Merrimac, and Radford. Our experts here at New River Valley Dental Care will do everything we can to provide you with the best experience possible.